Chief Constable Says Disorder Is An ‘Act Of Self-Harm’ To Communities Across Northern Ireland

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has appealed for calm after disorder across Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. He described the violence as an “act of self-harm” to communities and confirmed that mutual aid policing support has been requested. The disorder followed the attempted murder of a man in north Belfast, who remains in hospital with serious injuries.

PSNI Chief Constable Appeals For Calm After Disorder Across Northern Ireland

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has described disorder across Northern Ireland as an “act of self-harm” to local communities.

The Chief Constable made the comments during a media facility at police headquarters in Belfast today, Wednesday 10 June 2026, alongside Secretary of State Hilary Benn.

It follows a night of disorder on Tuesday 9 June, with police reporting sporadic pockets of violence and damage across a number of areas.

These included greater Belfast, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Greyabbey, Portadown, Armagh, Kilkeel, Bangor, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.

Disorder Followed North Belfast Attempted Murder Case

The disorder followed the attempted murder of a man in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast.

The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries.

A man has appeared in court charged in connection with the attempted murder. Separately, another man has been charged with riot following scenes in Newtownabbey.

Chief Constable Boutcher said the violence was an insult to the victim, the members of the public who stepped in to help, and the officers who responded to the original incident.

He said:

“This disorder is an insult to the victim of this assault, an insult to the members of the public who bravely stepped forward to save his life and the officers who rushed to the scene.”

Chief Constable: ‘This Has Got To Stop’

The Chief Constable urged families, sports clubs and communities to help stop young people and others from becoming involved in further disorder.

He said:

“If you have a niece, nephew, brother, sister or a member of your local sports club, if you’ve seen them at the disorder, stop them from coming out today. This has got to stop. We cannot have a society that allows this to happen.”

Police said officers “got in harm’s way” on Tuesday night to prevent people from being intimidated or assaulted.

A large policing presence will remain across Northern Ireland in the days ahead to reassure communities and maintain public order.

Mutual Aid Request Activated By PSNI

Chief Constable Boutcher confirmed that he has activated a request for mutual aid resources from policing colleagues.

He said this was part of forward planning to ensure the PSNI has the support needed to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days ahead.

During Tuesday night’s disorder, police said homes and businesses were attacked and damaged.

Cars, a police vehicle and a Glider bus were also set on fire.

The Chief Constable said many people were waking up today in genuine fear for their lives and livelihoods.

A number of families left their homes during the disturbances, including a parent carrying a two-month-old baby.

Police Officers Injured During Disorder

Two police officers were injured after coming under attack.

Water cannon was also used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey during the PSNI public safety operation.

Police confirmed that three people have been arrested so far in Belfast and Newtownabbey, with further arrests expected.

A Public Order Enquiry Team has now been established.

The Chief Constable said the same team structure helped deliver more than 100 arrests following last year’s race-motivated disorder in Ballymena, which cost around £5.6 million to police.

Police are now reviewing video and online footage from the latest disorder.

Warning To Those Considering Further Disorder

Chief Constable Boutcher issued a direct warning to anyone involved, or considering becoming involved, in further violence.

He said:

“I urge those involved or considering becoming involved in disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted over and potentially throwing away your future? Or the future of your children?”

He added that people may have real concerns, but violence and damage to local communities is not the answer.

“We need calm, considered approaches,” he said.

PSNI Monitoring Social Media Posts About Planned Protests

Police said they are continuing to assess social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland.

A policing response has been prepared if needed to ensure public safety and help minimise disruption.

Chief Constable Boutcher said those who wish to protest should do so peacefully and lawfully.

Communities are being urged to stay calm, avoid sharing unverified claims online, and allow the criminal justice process to take its course.